Health Library

Type of Medication

What Bupropion Is Prescribed For

Bupropion
is an antidepressant, but it is also prescribed to help people
quit smoking
. It can be used alone or in combination with a nicotine replacement product.

How Bupropion Works

Bupropion appears to affect two brain chemicals that may be related to
nicotine addiction
: dopamine and norepinephrine. Bupropion reduces the cravings for cigarettes that smokers experience when they try to quit. It also seems to reduce many of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, frustration, and anger.

Considerations While Taking This Medication

See Your Doctor

Your doctor will determine the appropriate level of bupropion for you and will adjust the dosage as you progress.

Manage Your Medications

Tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Some should not be taken with bupropion. For example, you should not take bupropion for smoking cessation if you:

Are already taking another drug that also contains bupropion

Have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), another type of antidepressant, in the past 14 days

Be Cautious With Certain Conditions

Certain conditions can affect whether it is safe for you to take bupropion. Tell your doctor about your medical history and if you have any health problems, especially if you have:

If you are woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to talk to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to take bupropion.

Proper Usage

Start taking bupropion 1-2 weeks before you plan to stop smoking. This will give the medication enough time to reach adequate levels in your body.

Note:
Do not double dose. Taking too much bupropion at one time can cause serious reactions, including seizures.

If all goes well and you are successful in quitting, you should plan to stay on the bupropion for 7-12 weeks. Your doctor may recommend a longer course of treatment, however, depending on your circumstances.

Possible Side Effects

Most people do not have side effects from taking bupropion for smoking cessation. If side effects do occur, they can usually be minimized. In addition, side effects are most often temporary, lasting only as long as you are taking the medication.

There are rare, but serious side effects that you should be aware of. Medications like bupropion may cause severe mood and behavior changes in some people, including suicidal thoughts. Young adults may be more at risk for these side effects. Make sure you call emergency medical services right away if this happens to you.

Symptoms of an Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose may be more severe than side effects seen at regular doses, or two or more side effects may occur together. Call for emergency medical services right away if you notice any of the following:

Seizures

Fast heartbeat

Hallucinations

Loss of consciousness

Nausea and/or vomiting

Drug Interactions

Combining bupropion with other medications can increase your risk of seizures, as well as other potentially dangerous interactions. Examples of medications that can cause problems include:

Antidepressants

MAOIs

Antipsychotic medications

Anti-arrhythmic agents

Beta-blockers

Benzodiazepines

Corticosteroids

Theophylline

There are many other medications that may interact with bupropion. Be sure to discuss any other medications that you are taking with your doctor.

Smoking Cessation Success

It is very clear from all of the studies on smoking cessation that your chance of long-term success depends a great deal on your motivation and commitment to quitting, regardless of which therapy you choose.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.